Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Questions to help answer your queries

Employing a Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW)

Q1. Who can apply for a FDW ?

A1. All Singapore citizens, Permanent Residents and expatriates (holding valid employment or work passes), having a valid reason to employ a Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW) at their residence, are eligible to apply but subject to MOM approval. For expatriate employers, they have to declare that their family members are living with them upon application.

Q2. What is the current levy?

A2. Employers are required to pay a Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW) monthly levy of $300 (normal) or $60 (concessionary, e.g. those with caregiving needs). (https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/foreign-domestic-worker-levy/paying-levy). Levy charges begin on the fifth day after the FDW arrival in Singapore, including the day of arrival. Levy Payment should be made via GIRO only. The FDW's Work Permit (WP) will be cancelled if the employer fails to maintain a valid GIRO account. Employers can view their levy bills online using the Internet Foreign Worker Levy Billing (iFWLB) System via SingPass.

Q3. What are the criteria to be eligible for a levy concession?

A3. An employer is eligible for a levy concession for each FDW (max. for two FDWs for each household) if he/she satisfies conditions set by MOM. Generally, a household that has a child/grandchild who is a Singapore Citizen below 12 years old or an elderly (Employer/Spouse/Parent/parent-in-law/grandparent/grandparent-in-law) who is a Singapore Citizen aged 65 years old or above may be eligible to apply for a levy concession but subject to MOM approval. From 1 Apr 2019, the qualifying age for the elderly concession will be changed to 67 years (https://www.mom.gov.sg/about-us/budget-highlights-2018). Besides, a household living with a person with disability may also be eligible for levy concession. For further details on conditions and application procedures, please contact us at contact@kingstarservices.com.

Q4. What do I need to take note of when I am a new employer hiring a FDW?

A4. There are requirements which MOM has mandated, e.g. attending the Employers’ Orientation Programme, sending the FDW for the Settling-In Programme (SIP) / Medical examinations / purchasing the security bond and medical insurance, no safekeeping of salaries or personal documents, etc. which you have to take note of (details: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/employers-guide). In addition, the embassy of the FDW’s nationality may have also mandated some requirements (e.g. minimum salary, rest days).

Other than the regulatory requirements, just like how your household will need to adapt to a new person living in your home, the FDWs joining your household will need time to adapt to their new work and living environment. They will require your patience, understanding, and openness to communicate and welcome her (who is technically now your employee) into your household.

Q5. How the FDW insurance policy affects a customer like me?

A5. Under the law, employers are required to take care of their FDW’s upkeep and maintenance, including medical expenses. Medical and Personal Accident insurance for your FDW are mandatory requirements under the law. Employers must purchase the insurance before their FDW’s work permit can be issued by MOM.
The medical insurance policy requires the FDW to be covered with a minimum sum of S$15,000 per year for inpatient care and day surgery. For the Personal Accident Insurance policy the minimum sum assured should be S$60,000. While these are the minimum requirements, we encourage employers to upgrade the FDW insurance policies to a higher coverage to better protect themselves and their FDWs from higher-than-expected bills arising from the FDW hospitalization or medical expenses.

Details: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/eligibility-and-requirements/insurance-requirements

Q6. My contract with my FDW is 24 months, why do i need to purchase a 26 months insurance and security bond?

A6. This is an MOM requirement. MOM requires all insurance and security bond to have an additional 2 months of cover so that in any event or reason the FDW overstays in Singapore after her work permit has expired, she is still covered under the insurance.

Details: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/eligibility-and-requirements/insurance-requirements

Q7. Can I repatriate the FDW without going through the agency?

A7. Yes, the employer can repatriate the FDW without going through the agency as long as such action does not breach any of the clauses in the service agreement between the employer and the agency, and MOM’s regulations. Please also be mindful of the contract between you and your FDW on the termination clauses.

Nevertheless, we would strongly advise the employer to repatriate the said FDW via our agency, so we can discharge your responsibilities (if any) to protect your interests. Please feel free to contact us to find out more on how we can assist you.